Lexus May Have Perfected the Controversial Yoke Wheel

Full Yoke

Tesla made waves when it revealed that the new Model S and X would feature a yoke steering wheel, something that was previously relegated to aircraft - not cars. Some people love the yoke, others hate it, but it appears that Lexus is thinking about following suit with its yoke steering wheel after it recently appeared in press photos and a pretty interesting video for the all-new, all-electric RZ 450e crossover.

Out With the Old

While Tesla took the first step in quite literally reinventing the wheel, Lexus has decided to follow that with its take on the yoke, one that actually works well enough that we may not miss the old round wheel. This includes installing a full steer by wire system in the new RZ, which replaces the old direct shaft that connects the steering wheel and rack in most vehicles.

Digitized Experience

Steer by wire completely removes that direct connection, instead, interpreting the driver's movements as a digital signal, which is then sent to an electric motor mounted on the steering box. The computer is then able to interpret those signals, take into account things like vehicle speed and current conditions, and then react accordingly.

No Hands

There is one major benefit to steering by wire, and that's the fact that it increases the steering angle at lower speeds, meaning that drivers won't have to remove a hand from the steering wheel to turn the corner or back into a parking spot. There's no need for hand-over-hand steering, as the system can tighten or loosen up the turning radius as needed.

Shorter Learning Curve

This system - what Lexus calls One Motion Grip - can manipulate steering ratios on the fly, tightening things up when you're driving at slower speeds in tight turns or somewhat muting that when you're driving down the highway to improve stability and feel. For most, this makes all the difference in the world when it comes to making a yoke actually usable, as Tesla's system doesn't employ such techniques.

Safer?

Lexus' yoke steering wheel only needs to rotate around 150 degrees from lock to lock, while a traditional wheel (and Tesla's yoke) take two to three turns to do the same thing. Thus, a little flick of the steering wheel is enough to make an emergency maneuver, which is why Lexus says its system is far safer than others out there currently.

One Question

Of course, it's worth noting that regular steering wheels can benefit just as much from a steer-by-wire system, which still sort of makes the yoke a bit pointless, save for the fact that it opens up visibility somewhat. Regardless, it seems as if Lexus has found a better way to employ this technology in its vehicles. Question is, will consumers embrace it?

>>Join the conversation about Lexus's Yoke design right here at ClubLexus.com.

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